Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner and National Research Centre on Equine, Hisar today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a view to work together on conservation and breeding of the famous Marwari horses.
"This MoU would bring the two institutions closer to work in the direction of conservation and breeding of the rare Marwari breed by harnessing their respective expertise", said A K Gehlot, vice-chancellor of the university, after signing the agreement.
He said that both the institutions would work together on various research projects on horses.
Besides, this association will also provide an opportunity to the researchers to work in highly-advanced laboratories and get benefited with the expertise of the institutions.
Gehlot said that the horse-rearers would also get direct benefit of the research works undertaken, which would lead to conservation of the breed.
The Marwari breed of horse is in huge demand at horse breeding centres and for sport activities on account of their incomparable endurance, strength, built and sensitivity.
These horses also fetch a high price in different cattle fairs.
Gehlot said promotional programmes would be launched on unit level in 26 districts of the state by the university through its research and training centres.
Terming the MoU, need of the time and useful step in saving the breed, director of the Centre, B N Tripathi claimed that this (Marwari) breed was the "best breed" in the world but the growing mechanisation and rising cost of horse rearing has dealth a massive blow to its breeding, leading to a sharp decline in their number.
Marwari horses, are a rare breed of the animal from the Marwar (or Jodhpur) region of the country, known for their inward-turning ear tips.
